MUSCAT: Oman has initiated a significant survey aimed at evaluating the impact of the digital economy on the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the year 2023.
This initiative is a crucial component of the country’s strategy to achieve the ambitious target of raising the digital economy's GDP contribution to 10% by 2040.
The survey is designed to gather vital data that will monitor the advancement of Oman’s digital economy and guide future policy development.
It will specifically assess the impact of digital services, including communications, information technology, and financial services, on the national economy.
The results will assist policymakers in making informed decisions to foster growth in these areas.
Hamad bin Nasser Al Shikaili, Director of the Survey Project at the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, highlighted the necessity of collaboration with the private sector for the survey's success.
The information obtained from the survey will provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of Oman’s digital economy, encompassing key economic indicators such as the digital economy's GDP contribution, the added value of digital services, investments in digital infrastructure, and employment trends within the sector.
These insights will be instrumental for policymakers, researchers, and for making international comparisons to inform future strategies.
Aiming to engage 1,300 private sector entities throughout Oman, the survey will encompass a range of industries related to ICT and digital financial services.
The findings will facilitate comparisons with regional and global trends, aid in economic research, and inform the development of Oman’s digital economy strategy.
Unified portal
In conjunction with the survey, the Ministry has recently introduced the Unified Government Services Portal (gov.om), which enhances access to nearly 100 government services.
This portal eliminates the necessity for multiple platforms, thereby streamlining processes for citizens, residents, and businesses. The second phase of the portal, expected to launch between March and June, will incorporate additional services.
These initiatives underscore Oman’s dedication to fulfilling its digital economy objectives, fostering growth, and establishing the nation as a regional frontrunner in the digital landscape. The portal offers personalized dashboards for monitoring services, comprehensive guides, and streamlined procedures for accessing a diverse array of government services, benefiting all stakeholders.
